Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong sat down with the BBC for his first TV interview since he confessed to being a drugs cheat over two years ago.

During an 11-minute discussion, the 43-year-old readdressed some key issues concerning his past and what his future holds.

These are the key things he had to say:

On whether he would dope again…

If I was racing in 2015, no, I wouldn’t do it again because I don’t think you have to. [But] if you take me back to 1995, when doping was completely pervasive, I would probably do it again. When I made the decision, when my team made that decision, when the whole peloton made that decision, it was a bad decision and an imperfect time. But it happened. And I know what happened because of that.

On the impact his career had had on the sport…

I know what happened to the sport, I saw its growth. I know what happened to Trek Bicycles [his bike supplier] – $100 million in sales to $1 billion in sales. And I know what happened to my foundation, from raising no money to raising $500 million, serving three million people. Do we want to take it away? I don’t think anybody says ‘yes’.

On whether it was time he could be reintegrated into sport…

Selfishly, I would say ‘yeah’, we’re getting close to that time. But that’s me, my word doesn’t matter any more. What matters is what people collectively – whether that’s the cycling community, the cancer community – think. Listen, of course I want to be out of time out, what kid doesn’t?

On whether the public were starting to come around to the point of view that he is being singled out for special punishment…

It seems like people are thinking: ‘OK, we’ve been through this for two years, we’ve heard all the stories, and it looks like we’re going to hear even more stories with the report out of [CIRC]. I get it, he did that, they all did that. How’s that? Some guys get no punishment, some get six months, he got life, how does that add up?

On having his seven Tour titles reinstated…

I think there has to be a winner, I’m just saying that as a fan. I feel like I won those Tours.

On what he would change if he could go back in time…

To change the man that did those things, maybe not the decision, but the way he acted. It was unacceptable, inexcusable. I was an a*****e to a dozen people.

‘Lance Armstrong: The Road Ahead’ documentary will be broadcast on BBC News at 20:30 on Thursday, 29 January.

Manchester United are hot on the heels of Paris Saint Germain’s Marquinhos, according to one of the defender’s representatives.

The 20-year-old joined PSG from Roma in the summer of 2013, for a fee of £24million, but has found himself struggling for first-team action this season following the arrival of David Luiz.

Marquinhos has therefore only featured in 12 of PSG’s 21 Ligue 1 matches this season, and with Luiz and Thiago Silva firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, his representative Giuliano Bertolucci has claimed a number of clubs have expressed an interest in his services, with Manchester United being one of the interested parties.

‘Last summer, the president of PSG declared a transfer for Marquinhos non-negotiable,’ Bertolucci told Le Parisien.

‘We’ll see what his position is next summer. Many clubs are interested. Manchester United is one of them, it’s true.’

One of the most dramatic cup weekends in recent FA Cup history will live long in the memory – especially for one heartbroken punter.

The unlucky individual in question had a £10 accumulator bet placed on five winners, with potential earnings of a whopping £1,000,000 if results swung his way.

By the time the late kick off between Liverpool vs Bolton started, the unthinkable had happened – Middlesbrough had beaten Man City, Reading had seen off Cardiff late on, Leicester won at Spurs and Palace had held on at Southampton.

This meant Bolton needed to win at Anfield with both teams scoring…

Bookmakers Betfair even offered the customer a £15,000 ‘cash out’ option ahead of the Liverpool game, but it was never taken up.

Needless to say, as the final whistle blew in the late kick-off, which ended 0-0, the punter must have had his head in his hands.

However, there was still a silver lining, as in recognition of the drama, Betfair offered the customer 4 x £1,000 free bets, one for each match he correctly predicted, and have also invited him to the FA Cup Final.

Alexis Sanchez is inspiring Arsenal to new heights due to his infectious energy levels, according to Kieran Gibbs.

The £35million summer signing from Barcelona has been a revelation this season in the Premier League, and Gunners left-back Gibbs claims the Chilean’s famed work-rate and personality is having a positive impact on everyone at the club.

‘Alexis Sanchez has continued to impress people with his performances and it is great to see him on such top form,’ Gibbs wrote on his Sportlobster blog.

‘His determination to keep on top of his game is fantastic, and with the way he is going, he is inspiring all of us in the squad.

‘He’s a big character amongst the group – he’s not quiet by any stretch of the imagination and he’s fitted in very well.

Impressed: Kieran Gibbs (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

‘He’s learning English really quickly and he’s improved this a lot in a short space of time.

‘He’s one of those characters, where he doesn’t really need to speak English to get his point of view across, because he’s got a lot of energy and you know what he’s saying by his expressions and his energy.

‘This energy and passion is quite rare and he’s got loads of it.

‘He is rubbing off on a lot of the players, and his energy is giving us all a big boost.

‘It’s no surprise to me to see him doing so well, and let’s hope it continues for as long as possible.’

When asked about the potential arrival of the 24-year-old, Wenger replied: ‘Talks are progressing well. Can we find an agreement? There’s a chance. 50-50. We are ready to pay the price if we think it’s right.’

However, Wenger cryptically added, when quizzed whether the defender would represent his last piece of January business: ‘Not necessarily.’

Arsenal have already added Polish midfielder Krystian Bielik to his ranks, and although Wenger admitted the 17-year-old was not ready to feature against Brighton at the weekend, he did confirm a likely start for Mesut Ozil, as well as a new contract offer for Francis Coquelin.

Wenger also confirmed that both Alex Oxlade-‎Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin are fitness doubts for the weekend.

Barcelona ace Xavi is back to his old tricks in the transfer market, picking out Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla as the number one player he’d like to bring to the Nou Camp.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who was key to the Barca propaganda machine which prized Cesc Fabregas away from the Emirates in 2011, has wasted no time in talking up Cazorla after the Gunners playmaker starred in the recent 2-0 win at Manchester City.

The former Villarreal man has been attracting widespread praise for his increasing influence in Arsenal’s first-team, and now Xavi has spoken of his desire to team up with his fellow Spaniard at the Nou Camp.

Speaking at an event for Spanish dentist agency Dentix, Xavi said: ‘There is some great Spanish football talent around. Who would I sign for Barcelona? [David] Silva and Cazorla.’

The Gunners’ star, 30, is under contract at the Emirates until 2016, meaning Arsenal would be susceptible to a summer bid for their in-form playmaker should a new long-term contract not be agreed.

However, Barca will be officially restricted from making any move until January 2016 when their transfer ban is lifted.

]]>http://metro.co.uk/2015/01/20/arsenals-santi-cazorla-would-be-ideal-barcelona-signing-says-xavi-5028955/feed/0Jack Wilshere statistics reveal Arsenal are THREE times as likely to win without the England midfielderhttp://metro.co.uk/2015/01/20/jack-wilshere-statistics-reveal-arsenal-are-three-times-as-likely-to-win-without-the-england-midfielder-5028750/
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Facing a fight: Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere (Picture: Reuters)

Jack Wilshere is facing an uphill battle to regain his place in the Arsenal side after striking statistics revealed the Gunners are three times as successful without him in the team.

The England midfielder, who is on his way back to fitness after recovering from a broken ankle, has had to sit and watch from the sidelines as his team-mates have gone on a run of 10 wins out of 13 since his injury against Manchester United back in November.

The likes of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla have flourished in his absence, with stats showing Arsenal’s win percentage more than trebles in Wilshere’s absence, while their points-per- game doubles.

Data via Daily Telegraph

While injuries to other key players during Wilshere’s nine league appearances this season (most notably Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy) will no doubt have also contributed to Arsenal’s lack of form, the natural balance which has been struck in the middle of the park between Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey and Cazorla – coupled with the worrying stats – will make an instant return to the first-team problematic for the 23-year-old, as well as club record signing Mesut Ozil.

Jose Mourinho has revealed that missing out on bringing Steven Gerrard to Chelsea back in 2005 ranks as the biggest transfer disappointment of his career.

The Blues boss was on the verge of luring the iconic Liverpool captain to Stamford Bridge during his first spell in west London, only for the midfielder to reverse his transfer request at the last minute.

Now, as Gerrard enters the final stretch of his 17-year career with the Reds before he joins LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Mourinho has spoken of his regret at missing the chance to build a team around the England talisman.

‘He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected,’ Mourinho said.

‘We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.

‘We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and (former Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.

‘His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.

‘He (Gerrard) was always a red and I think the decision was right.’

Asked if Gerrrard’s decision to stay at Liverpool was his biggest disappointment in the transfer market, Mourinho said: ‘Yes, but I have another one when I was trying Lampard to Inter.

‘I was almost there and it didn’t happen too. I had a couple of disappointments and that’s normal in football.’

Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista has confirmed talks are underway within the club to finalise a deal which will see him join Arsenal.

The Brazilian centre-back has been a rock at the heart of the team that have gone unbeaten since early November, and the Gunners have identified the 24-year-old as the man they want to plug their defensive shortage.

‘The subject is being discussed by my agent and the club,’ Paulista said.

‘If I go to Arsenal it will be excellent. But if it’s not finalised then I am relaxed. I am focused on my work here.

‘My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.

‘Playing in the Premier League is one of my dreams. I have spoken to my agent about this.’

Any move for Paulista may be complicated by a lack of work permit, as the defender has never been capped by Brazil and doesn’t hold an EU passport.

Villarreal would also want Joel Campbell as part of any deal, which could start at £5million.

Arsene Wenger’s side ended a 16-game hoodoo in games against City, Manchester United and Chelsea by triumphing at the Ethiad, and Frenchman Coquelin received plenty of plaudits for his disciplined role at the heart of midfield.

Now club legend Henry insist the 23-year-old could turn out to be an unlikely saviour for Wenger, who was under pressure to buy in the January window.

When asked if Coquelin could make the role his own for Arsenal, Henry said: ‘I think that he can do the job. Easily. You just have to be disciplined.

‘If you’re a centre-back and you have that protection, you have an easier game.

Whilst clearly a lighthearted remark, it’s unlikely many fans will see the funny side to the boss’ response, as yet another deadline day looms with glaring gaps still to be plugged in the Gunners’ threadbare backline.

When Wenger was asked whether he will still sign new defender this month, he replied: ‘Yes, but it’s not easy, if you have any ideas you can text me or the club.’

With another Ballon d’Or safely in the jewel-encrusted bag of Cristiano Ronaldo, Metro has decided to cast a dubious eye over the votes which saw the Real Madrid star pip Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer to be crowned as the world’s best player.

Needless to say, there was the usual amount of skulduggery in the voting among the captains and coaches of the top nations who had an obvious connection to a serious candidate for the award, but there was also noticeable bravery displayed from two very high profile stars.

However, the award for most ridiculous vote, which is usually reserved for captains of countries ranked way outside the top 100 in world football, was collected by a man a bit closer to home…*sigh*

]]>http://metro.co.uk/2015/01/13/ballon-dor-2014-votes-who-tried-to-sabotage-cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-and-who-just-got-it-completely-wrong-5020347/feed/0Massimo Marioni for Metro.co.ukMassimo Marioni for Metro.co.ukMassimo Marioni for Metro.co.ukReal Madrid and Portugal forward Ronaldo reacts after receiving the FIFA Ballon d'Or award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2014 soccer awards ceremony in ZurichReal Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after receiving the FIFA Ballon d'Or award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2014 soccer awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich January 12, 2015. Ronaldo, who won the award for the second time in a row and third overall, was voted ahead of Argentina forward Lionel Messi and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the annual poll. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich (SWITZERLAND - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) Ruben Sprich/ReutersHERTFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Roy Hodgson manager of England looks on during an England press conference, ahead of the UEFA European Championship qualifier match against Slovenia, at The Grove Hotel on November 14, 2014 in Hertford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)Cristiano Ronaldo does Two and a Half Men, Usher and Soldier Boy in Vine mash-ups of Ballon d’Or screamhttp://metro.co.uk/2015/01/13/cristiano-ronaldo-does-two-and-a-half-men-usher-and-soldier-boy-in-vine-mash-ups-of-ballon-dor-scream-5020226/
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Ronaldo ‘s cameo in TwoAndAHalfMen (By @vonstrenginho)

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s bizarre ‘war cry’ upon collecting the Ballon d’Or 2014, it was only a matter of time before some classic Vine mash-ups hit the internet, and the latest offerings don’t disappoint.

The Real Madrid man, who picked up the third golden gong of his career, made everyone feel thoroughly awkward with a shout of ‘Siiiii’ down the microphone as he strode up to collect his award.

The translation of ‘yessss’ is a team shout of Real Madrid, explained Ronaldo, who seemed perfectly satisfied with his contribution to the night.

In case you missed it last night, here’s a clip of the man in action:

But perhaps even more amusingly, here’s how internet pranksters have used C-Ron latest bout of attention-seeking:

The stars of world football descended on Fifa’s grand gala in Zurich to see Cristiano Ronaldo named as the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner, and celebrated the past year’s achievements rocking some of their sharpest threads (Lionel Messi was also there…).

Needless to say, the snappy-happy generation of superstars were eager to share some behind-the-scenes moments with their fans on social media, and everyone from Ronaldo himself, to Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos (thankfully!) were keen to get in on the act.

Puskas rivals: Stephanie Roche and James Rodriguez compete with Robin van Persie for goal of the year (Picture: AFP Getty)

With Cristiano Ronaldo having all but sewn up the Ballon d’Or 2014, attention and debate has turned to the Puskas Award for goal of the year, with Stephanie Roche providing surprising competition for £52million-man James Rodriguez.

The Republic of Ireland women’s international shot to prominence after her superb effort for Peamount United made the final shortlist of tonight’s prestigious Puskas Award, but not everybody is convinced she should be recognised as a contender for the top prize.

Here, two Metro reporters make the case both for and against her winning football’s goal of 2014.

For – by Alistair Potter

This is the best goal on the shortlist, full stop.

That’s the main criteria for the Puskas Award and, while it is subjective, there are aspects that, in my opinion, make this better than both the others.

The technique and execution of Roche strike puts her above Van Persie (it’s a diving header so looks more impressive, but despite great timing it’s still just a looping header). The only realistic competition is James Rodriguez.

His goal? It’s (slightly) further out, I’ll give you that, and yes, it goes in off the woodwork.

But for everyone who argues the standard of football lessens Roche’s goal because ‘a World Cup keeper would have saved it’ or ‘it’s not hit as hard’, how do you know? Plus, if you watch them both, she’s marked far better than Rodriguez is, and makes space for herself with her ball control.

Put the two side by side, and Roche’s is just a more complete goal.

So what if there might be ‘better goals’ at other levels of the game not caught on camera? Does that make this any less deserving?

The award is based mainly on which goal is ‘the most beautiful’ – it’s clearly Roche’s.

Yes, the criteria for judging also takes into account the level of football involved – and I’m not arguing the World Cup should be judged on the same level as the Irish National League. But if this is your main reason for awarding one above the other, it’s a flawed argument.

Does the fact Van Persie scored against Spain make his goal better than James’ against Uruguay, because Spain won the last competitive match between them? No.

Uruguay went further than Spain in the World Cup, so was James’ better? Again no. And that should be a complete afterthought anyway.

All this is besides the fact that Roche winning would be the best thing for the entire sport.

Against – by Massimo Marioni

First thing’s first. Stephanie Roche’s goal is aesthetically the best of the contenders. No question.

It’s unique, it’s skillful, it’s precise – I’m a big fan!

However, with the Puskas Award being a celebration of the absolute best of the best, can we really hold up a goal which came in the Women’s National League of Ireland in a fixture against Wexford Youths as being the finest the sport has to offer?

Regardless of gender, the top tier of Irish football cannot be compared to the standard set across the big five European leagues, let alone the top level of international football.

Would an Irish player who has scored 100 goals in his or her domestic season be a serious rival to either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi for the player of the year award?

Of course not, as the achievement pales in significance to the standard Ronaldo and Messi are competing at.

There are plenty of goals scored all over the world at ‘top-tier national level’, which could probably rival all three goals on the Puskas shortlist, the problem is most of these nations don’t come close to reaching the heights of competition set in the World Cup, Premier League, La Liga etc…

Roche deserves her place in the final three for her creativity and technique alone, but when it comes to choosing the best of the best, James Rodriguez’ control, skill and audacity on the biggest stage in world football has to triumph.

]]>http://metro.co.uk/2015/01/12/does-stephanie-roches-goal-really-deserve-to-win-fifa-puskas-award-2014-the-argument-for-and-against-5019238/feed/0Massimo Marioni for Metro.co.ukMassimo Marioni for Metro.co.ukgoalPuskas rivals: Stephanie Roche and James Rodriguez compete with Robin van Persie for goal of the year (Picture: AFP Getty(Manchester United’s defeat to Southampton is worst home performance in SIX yearshttp://metro.co.uk/2015/01/11/manchester-uniteds-defeat-to-southampton-is-worst-home-performance-in-six-years-5018306/
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Misfiring: Manchester United’s Robin van Persie (Picture: AP)

Manchester United suffered their worst home performance in the Premier League in six years as Southampton continued their impressive form to bag all three points at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal’s side, who have now collected the exact same amount of points as David Moyes’ team did in 21 league games last season, failed to register a single shot on target in the 1-0 defeat – the first time that has happened at home since May 2009.

The Saints took full advantage and finally took the lead their performance deserved after 69 minutes when Dusan Tadic calmly slotted in from the edge of the box after Graziano Pelle’s effort had come back off the post.

Work to do on the training pitch for Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and co., it seems…

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Key man: Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (Picture: Reuters)

It was no surprise that Alexis Sanchez was once again the key man for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Stoke – but the Chilean can now officially lay claim to being the most effective player in the Premier League.

While the £32million forward’s status as star man at the Gunners has never been under question, many may have argued that his performances have not quite eclipsed the likes of established Premier League diamonds such as Eden Hazard, David Silva and Wayne Rooney.

However, after Sanchez’s blockbuster outing against Stoke – where he assisted the first for Laurent Koscielny, then scored a further two himself – the 26-year-old has now been involved in more Premier League goals than any other player this season, while scoring more than Hazard and £59.7m Angel Di Maria combined!

Not bad, eh?

Alexis Sánchez: Has now directly contributed to 51.4% of Arsenal’s goals in the Premier League this season (12 goals, 7 assists) #AFCvSCFC

I am grateful for the support of the PFA in helping me try to return to football and continue my career.

Upon legal advice, I was told not to discuss the events in question.

This silence has been misinterpreted as arrogance and I would like to state that this could not be further from the truth.

I do remain limited at present by what I can say due to the ongoing referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and whilst I continue to maintain my innocence, I wish to make it clear that I wholeheartedly apologise for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned.

Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine. I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so.

]]>http://metro.co.uk/2015/01/08/ched-evans-statement-oldham-target-finally-issues-apology-to-rape-victim-but-maintains-innocence-5014342/feed/0Sheffield United v Chesterfield - npower League OneSheffield United v Chesterfield - npower League One